Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

First Advisor

Genevieve Lowry

Abstract

Literature shows that most young adults (over 96%) with SCD reported perceived racial bias in the community and also endorsed health related stigma. Findings support an association between perceived racial bias and depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem, behavioral problems, and increased substance use among pediatric populations (Wakefield et al., 2017). Although the problem of racial bias is documented in the literature, the relationship between this patient population and self-advocacy is not well researched. Young patients diagnosed with SCD are capable of advocating for themselves, and learning these skills will help them take ownership of their care and feel more included in decisions made about their treatment. With support of child life specialists, tools of self-advocacy and knowledge about the health care system, these patients are capable of overcoming the large systems that are intrinsically biased against their health, their race, and their success.

Comments

Child Life Online- Certification Track (Program of study)

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